Introduction:
I’ve always been a fan of Lewis Carroll’s stories and world. I grew up watching Disney’s classic 1951 version of the story. I’ve managed to see several version of the tale and even played a wicked gothic video game version. When I heard that Tim Burton was going to provide his take on the story I was intrigued. But will my love for the original story taint my view of this version.
Summary:
Little Alice (Mia Wasikowska) has grown up, and now at 19 she finds herself at her engagement party. When her suitor pops the question, Alice runs off and follows a white rabbit down a hole. She finds herself in a wonderful land, where everyone seems to remember her and has been waiting for her return. But Alice has no memory of this land. The Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) does his best to guide her along her path to destiny. You see the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) rules Underland with an iron fist and threatens any dissent by unleashing the Jabberwocky. Alice is prophesized to become the White Queen’s (Anne Hathaway) champion and defeat the beast. That’s all well and good but Alice doesn’t seem motivated to help. Will she embrace her destiny or become another pawn of the Red Queen?
Good Points:
- Burton’s gift for amazing visuals shines throughout
- Danny Elfman’s score is one of his best
- The supporting cast is very good
Bad Points:
- A very serious plot takes away some of the fun you associate with the story
- The middle portion of the film tends to drag
- What is with that dance sequence?
Overall
A curious movie to say the least. With a straightforward quest plot it feels like a bit of the fun was taken out of the nonsensical world. At the same time the movie has some amazing characters and sequences that pay homage to the original stories and the Disney incarnation. It’s a mixed bag, worth checking out but not quite as good as I hoped it would be.
Scores (out of 5)
Visuals: 4
Sound: 4
Music: 5
Acting: 4
Script: 3
Direction: 3
Entertainment: 3
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